Background

In the Winter 2000 issue of The Connecticut Economy, UConn Professor Dr. Dennis Heffley examined what has been dubbed “The New Economy,” which focuses on the sectors of information and technology **. In his article, Dr. Heffley suggested that boosting productivity growth by way of informational technology significantly marked Connecticut’s entrance into the New Economy. As a result, University Chancellor John Smith requested that a committee be formed to examine the possible benefits of having a technology incubation program at the University of Connecticut. The committee consisted of three representatives; one each from the Storrs, Avery Point, and Farmington campuses. After thorough research, the committee found that an incubation program could not only attract talented, entrepreneurial faculty and provide funds for research, but serve as a tool for exhibiting how much the University is giving back to the State and its taxpayers. The committee delivered its report in July, 2001 and the formal proposal was accepted shortly afterwards.

The University obtained agreement from the Federal Department of Energy (DOE) to commit $ 7.2 Million for the construction of a building to house “incubator activities”. Eventually, the DOE money was combined with additional funds and the Advanced Technology Laboratory (ATL) was built as part of the Bio Science Complex. The ATL now houses the headquarters of the UConn TIP.

In addition to the laboratories and offices in the ATL the TIP has space at the UCHC and also at the Avery Point campus. The program offers new technology companies lab and office space with access to university researchers, facilities, equipment and a variety of business and university services that will help insure their success.

** Heffley, D. (2000, Winter). Productivity Growth Drives Connecticut's New Economy. The Connecticut Economy.